Biggest playoff concerns?

[midnightpulp]

Right now, the Spurs look like a team without any weaknesses. but I also thought that in '04 (when they won 17 straight before getting backdoor swept by the Lakers) and 2012, which was basically a repeat of '04.

Not to beat a dead horse, but Tony Parker is always my primary concern going into the post-season. And to an extent, our overall PG rotation. We all love Patty, and he did seem to find his form last game, but he's been inconsistent since his return, and if "Enrique" shows up and Patty can't pick up the slack, our PG rotation is that much weaker (CoJo breakout aside, which is possible). Luckily, the point guard is the least impactful position on the floor, so if the worst case scenario rears its head, we still might be able to succeed in spite of poor play from our PGs.

Second concern is Tiago. Baynes has been a nice fill in, but Tiago is a much more versatile defender, a better passer, and more used to the system. Hopefully he can return 100% and get back into rhythm with the offense. It makes me uncomfortable if the plan is to wait until the playoffs to bring him back, since typically you need a couple of games to get back on track.

Belinelli. Pop seems to love him despite the guy being one of the worst wing defenders in the league. I hope he gets no more than spot minutes.

Kawhi's breakout hitting a wall. Kawhi has been doing a lot of damage off midrange jumpers (whether off the dribble or post) during his breakout. I hope he doesn't fall in love with it a'la Kobe and start forcing. And now, teams will be scheming for him as the primary option, so we can expect a lot of doubles, ball denial and harassment from opposing defenses. He's a big game/big moment player, so I'm sure he'll respond, but there's always a possibility he flounders, like 2011 Lebron, 04 Kobe, etc. Great thing is, though, even if Kawhi's offense sputters, he can impact the game in a variety of other ways. So I'm not too worried, but there will be games when we might need 30 from him.

Turnobili. Always a concern. Danny Green going cold at the wrong times. Duncan's body finally realizing it's 40 and falling apart.

These are just minor concerns, and odds are, most of them won't materialize (except Parker playing terrible and the occasional late game Turnobili TO), but you never know.

[BillMc]

I'd say by far my biggest worry is Tiago. Tony will come around, I'm not worried about him. I don't wonder if Kawhi will hit a wall. Pop has managed minutes so brilliantly, I don't think it is a big worry.

The other thing to worry about is if Golden State is as historically good as they have looked at times this year. We'll find out soon.

[RD2191]

3 point defense and the offense stalling. At times the Spurs offense looks unstoppable and at others we struggle to put up double digits in a qtr, especially the 3rd.

[sananspursfan21]

The only concern for me is what I saw from the earlier meeting with the Rockets this week. That first half it was all iso plays, dribbling the ball out, Kawhi not even really getting the ball, indecisive ball movement when they would actually pass. As long as they stick to the plan on offense and at least make the slightest attempt on defense, I think they can make these playoffs look deceptively easy.

[Old School 44]

Health is always the biggest concern. I know Splitter's injured, but all things considered going into the playoffs the Spurs are in relatively good health. Look at Okc, blazers, rockets and now memphis...each has some major injury concern.

[Arcadian]

If Tim Duncan can miraculously continue to avoid injury at this age, we'll be good. I'm not worried about him, but it seems inevitable that if a guy plays the game long enough, eventually his body is going to deteriorate. Maybe he really is a superhuman who can play until he's 45, but every year at this point should be taken as a bonus.

[Silver&Black]

Biggest concern:

That damn injury bug biting us in the ass.....

[ElNono]

1) Health
2) Health
3) Finding hotel availability for the the Riverwalk parade in June

[Robz4000]

Tiago and Patty are the concerns. Even if Kawhi hits a wall if teams scheme for him as the #1 option it opens things up for Parker and Duncan.

[itzsoweezee]

Playing on the road. Maybe the numbers don't back it up, but it sure feels like the spurs' offense is not nearly as good on the road versus at home.

Getting the two seed will alleviate some of that concern, but there's a good chance San Antonio will have to win a game in Oakland, which will be tough.

[Malik Hairston]

1. Splitter's injury(only major concern)



2. One of Manu/Parker playing consistently(the team only needs 1 of them to step up, as we've seen the past 2 years)
3. Backup PG position
4. Road games, the team hasn't been nearly as impressive away from home

[Robz4000]

Playing on the road. Maybe the numbers don't back it up, but it sure feels like the spurs' offense is not nearly as good on the road versus at home.

Getting the two seed will alleviate some of that concern, but there's a good chance San Antonio will have to win a game in Oakland, which will be tough.

With this group winning on the road is a minor concern. They've been mediocre most of the season but a lot of that has to do with coasting/injuries/resting. There are 10 or so games off the top of my head the Spurs should of won but didn't due to those reasons (@Phoenix, Kings, @Nets, @Jazz, @Blazers, Thunder, Wizards, @Clippers, BULLs, and @Knicks) on top of the OT games that could've gone either way.

[Robz4000]

1. Splitter's injury(only major concern)



2. One of Manu/Parker playing consistently(the team only needs 1 of them to step up, as we've seen the past 2 years)
3. Backup PG position
4. Road games, the team hasn't been nearly as impressive away from home

#4 see


With this group winning on the road is a minor concern. They've been mediocre most of the season but a lot of that has to do with coasting/injuries/resting. There are 10 or so games off the top of my head the Spurs should of won but didn't due to those reasons (@Phoenix, King (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=148)s, @Nets, @Jazz, @Blazers, Thunder, Wizard (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=48057)s, @Clippers, BULL (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=2366)s, and @Knicks) on top of the OT games that could've gone either way.

[Malik Hairston]

Ya, I think it's a minor concern, like the others on my list..

Splitter is my only major concern..

[Robz4000]

With this group winning on the road is a minor concern. They've been mediocre most of the season but a lot of that has to do with coasting/injuries/resting. There are 10 or so games off the top of my head the Spurs should of won but didn't due to those reasons (@Phoenix, King (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=148)s, @Nets, @Jazz, @Blazers, Thunder, Wizard (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=48057)s, @Clippers, BULL (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=2366)s, and @Knicks) on top of the OT games that could've gone either way.

Forgot to mention that first loss @Mavs. That actually is the most obvious loss due to resting players.

[DrunkTXLabrat]

1) Health
2) Health
3) Finding hotel availability for the the Riverwalk parade in June

agreed

[DMC]

Not worried about any of it. We're playing on house money. Throw it out there and let it ride. We either win or we lose. If we win, yay Tim Duncan can retire with 6 or more rings, which means everything to my family and makes my life complete, especially if I get to rub it in someone's face here how Kobe only has 5. However if we lose, then one day later there will be at least 5 "Why Tammy Cannot Repeat" threads and names you've not seen in months or years will magically appear to chime in.

So it's important that they win, because I'm forced by the laws of nature to log on here and see this shit. I should block all of you but since I've mentioned it now I cannot, lest I be a hypocrite.

[HI-FI]

Health and shady officiating. Even my normal concerns of Parker disappearing aren't as bad as before, just hoping for some good health.

[RD2191]

Not worried about any of it. We're playing on house money. Throw it out there and let it ride. We either win or we lose. If we win, yay Tim Duncan can retire with 6 or more rings, which means everything to my family and makes my life complete, especially if I get to rub it in someone's face here how Kobe only has 5. However if we lose, then one day later there will be at least 5 "Why Tammy Cannot Repeat" threads and names you've not seen in months or years will magically appear to chime in.

So it's important that they win, because I'm forced by the laws of nature to log on here and see this shit. I should block all of you but since I've mentioned it now I cannot, lest I be a hypocrite.
:lol

[Splits]

Not worried about any of it. We're playing on house money. Throw it out there and let it ride. We either win or we lose. If we win, yay Tim Duncan can retire with 6 or more rings, which means everything to my family and makes my life complete, especially if I get to rub it in someone's face here how Kobe only has 5. However if we lose, then one day later there will be at least 5 "Why Tammy Cannot Repeat" threads and names you've not seen in months or years will magically appear to chime in.

So it's important that they win, because I'm forced by the laws of nature to log on here and see this shit. I should block all of you but since I've mentioned it now I cannot, lest I be a hypocrite.

:lol

[midnightpulp]

Not worried about any of it. We're playing on house money. Throw it out there and let it ride. We either win or we lose. If we win, yay Tim Duncan can retire with 6 or more rings, which means everything to my family and makes my life complete, especially if I get to rub it in someone's face here how Kobe only has 5. However if we lose, then one day later there will be at least 5 "Why Tammy Cannot Repeat" threads and names you've not seen in months or years will magically appear to chime in.

So it's important that they win, because I'm forced by the laws of nature to log on here and see this shit. I should block all of you but since I've mentioned it now I cannot, lest I be a hypocrite.

:tu

[Robz4000]

Not worried about any of it. We're playing on house money. Throw it out there and let it ride. We either win or we lose. If we win, yay Tim Duncan can retire with 6 or more rings, which means everything to my family and makes my life complete, especially if I get to rub it in someone's face here how Kobe only has 5. However if we lose, then one day later there will be at least 5 "Why Tammy Cannot Repeat" threads and names you've not seen in months or years will magically appear to chime in.

So it's important that they win, because I'm forced by the laws of nature to log on here and see this shit. I should block all of you but since I've mentioned it now I cannot, lest I be a hypocrite.

Preach, DMC, preach.

[JohnnyMax]

Kyrie Irving

[Raven]

just the fact that we feel like the title is ours to lose, is a great feeling. I'm ready to enjoy Timmy and Manu's walking to the sunset party in complete tranquillity and confidence, the confidence of a fan who is greatful for everything and who acknowledges that everything that comes is just gravy.

on second thought, i'm really not, fuck beli. Let's destroy everybody and stick dat LD in their mouths.

[Splits]

OP disappearing

[100%duncan]

Health. A healthy Spurs team cant be beat 4 times out of 7

[ducks]

Leonard missing key free throws late in 4 quarter

[Mugen]

Being alone in life.

edit: Oops, wrong thread.

[RD2191]

Being alone in life.

edit: Oops, wrong thread.
http://weknowgifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/black-kid-staring-gif.gif

[cd98]

Late game execution in close games. We've blown several games on turnovers this year and we almost blew the Houston but for Tim's block.

[Mouth is Bleeding]

Thiago is very important in certain matchups guarding the likes of Aldridge, Dirk or the Memphis bigs. Maybe Griffin too though he's been more difficult. But Thiago neutralizing those threats 1v1 as well as he has in recent times is big when allowing the Spurs team defense to focus a lot on other things. If he is not there doing that, maybe things suddenly won't look as easy.

Other than that, it will only be Pop maybe sometimes hesitating shortening the rotations to only the elite players or not pulling the plug on Parker in favor of Mills, Cojo whenever Tony has those current-Tony-games where either mentally, physically or both he is a disaster defensively, on offense, or both.

[SpurSwag]

1) Health
2) Health
3) Finding hotel availability for the the Riverwalk parade in June

[SpursFan86]

1) Tiago's health - we're not winning it all without Splitter being at least somewhat healthy

2) PG play - Parker seems to go from looking like a top 5 PG to legitimately one of the worst players in the league on a nightly basis...you never know what you'll get from him. Mills has obviously struggled greatly since returning. CoJo is great and all, but the team's ceiling isn't nearly as high with him compared to Mills.

3) Popovich - I know, it sounds ridiculous that some random person over the internet questions Pop's abilities. But I do worry sometimes. I hope to hell he realizes how important Danny is to this team and plays him accordingly. I don't like how he tends to play Belinelli over Green just because Danny isn't hitting shots.

[TD 21]

1. Stamina - It's not just the mileage from three straight deep runs, it's the load Duncan specifically has had to carry this season and in general, a lack of rest for the veterans down the stretch and how hard the team has had to play in the past month and a half to put themselves in the position they're in.

2. Late game execution - It's been absolutely atrocious all season. Sure, they've had their fair share of miracle shots go against them, but a lot of it has been self inflicted too.

3. Splitter's health - Despite how celebrated he is by many during the rare stretches he's in peak form, this is a player who, in addition to being injury prone, takes a lot of time to look in peak form after he returns.